ASICS · Road · 2024
ASICS Magic Speed 4
Best for
- ✓Daily training and easy miles
- ✓Marathon prep and race day
- ✓Tempo runs and interval training
- ✓Racing and fast efforts
- ✓Runners who prefer maximum cushioning
- ✓Narrow or low-volume feet
Avoid if
- ✕You prefer minimal cushion or strong ground feel
- ✕You have wide feet
- ✕You run primarily on technical trails
Consensus Summary
The ASICS Magic Speed 4 is a road running shoe that balances cushioning and propulsion, making it suitable for tempo runs and races. With a max cushion level and an 8mm heel drop, it offers a protective feel underfoot, particularly noticeable at faster paces where the FF Turbo Plus PEBA midsole and carbon plate enhance energy return. However, the fit is narrow, which may not accommodate wider feet comfortably, and the shoe feels firm at slower paces, limiting its effectiveness as a daily trainer. While it provides good traction and durability with the ASICSGRIP outsole, the upper has shifted from the previous model's Motion Wrap to a more basic engineered mesh, which some reviewers found less supportive. Overall, it serves as a budget-friendly option for runners looking for a versatile shoe but comes with tradeoffs in fit and performance at slower speeds.
Pros
- ✓FF Turbo Plus PEBA midsole for energy return
- ✓Carbon plate adds propulsion at race paces
- ✓ASICSGRIP outsole for traction and durability
- ✓Gusseted tongue improves lockdown
- ✓43.5mm heel stack for max cushioning
Cons
- ✕Narrow midfoot, not for wide feet
- ✕Stiff at slower paces
- ✕Upper downgraded from Motion Wrap
- ✕Less stack than premium racers
- ✕Heavier than v3 by one ounce
